Planetarium: Capcom Go! Race to the moon

Capcom Go, a production of NSC Creative, is an immersive, exciting show that tells the story of the great space race between America and Russia and showcases the amazing achievements of the Apollo space missions.

This Planetarium show introduces a new generation to the pioneering work it took to put the first human on the moon, and will inspire pupils to become the explorers, engineers, designers, scientists and astronauts of the future.

Workshop details

In this museum led workshop pupils will watch Capcom Go, a visually captivating show in our full domed planetarium, which explores the question: How did humans walk on the moon?

Using engaging modern graphics, archival film clips, photographs and astronauts’ audio transmissions this film shares insights into the immense challenges NASA’s experts overcame by finding innovative ways to put humans on the moon and return them safely to Earth. The earliest experiments sometimes met with tragic ends, but at every step lessons were learnt by the teams of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers, many of whom were women; which led to the success of the Apollo 11 mission. Join us on this thrilling journey into our past that made unprecedented history for all mankind, and which continues to inspire children today to follow in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to go boldly where no man has gone before!

Following the show pupils will be invited to think about what it would be like for them to travel into space. Using scientific lines of enquiry to problem solve, pupils will uncover the science behind how a spacesuit is made. They will learn about the importance of oxygen, water and gravity to preserve human life and will have to solve the problem of breathing, drinking and even going to the toilet in space! Pupils will have the opportunity to handle objects that would be used in space such as Sokol spacesuit helmet and a space food pouch.

Practical information for your visit

We need adult help to ensure the pupils have the best possible experience and to ensure the safety of the handling objects. For this reason you must bring at least two adults to this workshop.

Please arrive on time for your workshop or we may not be able to run it for you. Please share these notes with your adult helpers before your visit. This will help them to support your pupils have a successful and enjoyable day.

Curriculum links

Science:

  • describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun in the solar system
  • describe the movement of the Moon relative to the Earth
  • describe the Sun, Earth and Moon as approximately spherical bodies 
  • explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object
  • identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses

History:

  • the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements

English:

  • pupils should be taught to speak clearly and convey ideas confidently using Standard English. They should learn to justify ideas with reasons. 

SMSC – Fundamental British Values

Through participating in this session students are encouraged to think about democracy, individual liberty and tolerance. 

  • Individual liberty: Through the participative approach in the session individual liberty is promoted by enabling students to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. This also promotes mutual respect as children listen to and begin to respect each others contributions.
  • Mutual respect and tolerance: Learning about early astronauts, the teams that supported with them  and the work they carried out promotes respect as pupils understand that we would not be where we are today without their work and contributions to science. 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Pupils will:

  • recognise and describe the key steps and challenges that NASA overcame enable man to walk on the moon
  • learn that failure during experiments or test can often lead to future successes
  • gain insight into the different jobs available within the space industry and that these jobs are accessible to all pupils through studies in STEM subjects
  • learn about the previously overlooked yet essential scientific contributions of women to the successful Apollo missions.
  • identify the key features of an astronaut’s space suit and describe what their functions are
  • understand the dangers living in space pose to the human body and how we use advances in technology to combat these dangers 

Skills

Pupils will:

  • have the opportunity to draw on and share their existing knowledge whilst also being encouraged to absorb and recall new information assimilated throughout the session.
  • use straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings
  • improve their speaking and listening skills through team work
  • extend specialist vocabulary.

Concepts

Pupils will:

  • be introduced to the work of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and astronauts which make exploring space possible
  • learn that today’s knowledge of the universe and advances in space exploration can be traced back to the achievements of individuals and scientific teams of the past both within and beyond living memory
  • appreciate that objects displayed and worked with in the museum are to be treated with respect.

Attitudes

Pupils will:

  • be confident in interpreting information about space missions
  • have developed respect and appreciation for the space related artefacts on display.
  • see the museum as a resource for scientific research to help understand history
  • see the World Museum as an enjoyable and stimulating place to visit.